Overview & Reviews

There are affordable cars, and then there are cars that offer thrilling performance. Rarely do the two ever converge, but Japanese automaker Mazda has made it a tradition of coming up with vehicles that combine both of these eminently desirable traits.

The Toyo Cork Kogyo Company, founded in 1920 in Hiroshima, Japan, used the name "Mazda" for its first three-wheeled truck, built in 1931. Company founder Jujiro Matsuda chose the word "Mazda" because it was the name of the Zoroastrian god of good and light. Work on a small sedan began in the late 1930s, but development was halted so the company could pitch in with Japan's war effort. In the wake of World War II and the rebuilding that followed, the company refocused its efforts on car development and manufacturing.

By 1960, the first Mazda automobile -- the R360 coupe -- was developed, and the company's foray into the production of passenger vehicles began in full force. Other landmark developments were soon to follow. In 1961, the company entered into a technical partnership with NSU and Wankel to develop and produce rotary engines, a union that led to Mazda's distinguishing itself as the only manufacturer to offer three engine configurations: conventional gasoline piston, diesel and rotary. The '60s also saw the introduction of the company's first pickup, the B-Series 1500, as well as its first rotary-engine vehicle, the 110S Cosmo Sport.

Mazda began selling cars in the U.S. in 1970. In the early part of the decade, the automaker rolled out the RX-2. Powered by the noted 12A rotary, the RX-2 introduced America to Mazda's effort to build cars that were affordable and fun to drive. The decade also saw the introduction of the RX-3, RX-4 and now iconic rotary-powered RX-7 sports car. In 1979, Ford Motor Company purchased a 25 percent stake in Mazda after the Japanese company encountered a number of financial difficulties.

The 1980s was a decade of rebirth for Mazda. The company officially took on the Mazda name (though all its vehicles since its launch in the '20s have carried that brand). It also witnessed an upswing in sales sparked by successful new products like the 323 (which was first called the GLC in the American market) and 626. The 1990 model year saw the launch of a car that would prove a huge hit for Mazda: the MX-5 Miata. Lauded for its ultra-responsive handling and affordability, the drop top has been a consistent favorite, and now holds the distinction of being the world's best-selling roadster.

Mazda began the 1990s with a bang by winning Le Mans with the 787B; it was the first time a Japanese automaker had won the prestigious race, and marked the only win for a rotary engine. Vehicles like the RX-7 and MX-5 Miata scored kudos from automotive journalists, and landed on many top 10 lists. However, save for the Miata, the company's vehicles experienced declining sales in the U.S., and the company's fortunes suffered as a result.

The new millennium has seen Mazda regain its stride, as the automaker has invested in new development. Models like the Mazda 2 and CX-9 have broadened the lineup and won over a whole new generation of fans, while the enthusiast-oriented RX-8 and Mazdaspeed performance models have exemplified the company's spirited philosophy. Most recently, Mazda has focused on designing its cars to be as fuel-efficient as possible while also still being fun to drive and affordable to own.

User Reviews:

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  Great Value Sport Wagon - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By hank - December 31 - 2:00 am

  This car handles like a champ. Nice 130 horses to zip around in. Overall fun car to drive and extremely practical! 5sp manual is the way to go for this car. Great gas mileage as well.

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  3rd time around - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By russo - December 31 - 2:00 am

  after owning a 1982 rx7 gsl and a 1992 rx1, my new rx8 is the best of the three. Granted, my 1992 was a VERY FAST car but it rode like a truck. My 1982 was fanatastic by the 2004 has the looks, the price and the driveability. Thumbs up to the engineers!

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  Great Car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By TM45 - December 31 - 2:00 am

  This car is very entertaining, draws a crowd, handles beautifully, is very quick, and seats four. WHat is not to like?

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  Know What Youre Getting - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By gingersrus - December 31 - 2:00 am

  One test drive and I was sold and have never regretted buying it.... BUT Mazda is not clearly notifying new buyers about potential problems from flooding/fouling plugs when shutting down cold. This is a real problem if you valet park where they have to move your car, or if you forget and back the car out of the garage without letting it fully warm up. NEW ROTARY BUYERS BEWARE Make sure you ask the salesman about this.

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  Great car - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By psymn - December 31 - 2:00 am

  We just bought a 3s for my wife to drive and we love it. The car is fun to drive and it looks great. Ours had a problem with the rear brakes initially, but it was resolved quickly.

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  New Mazda 3i 4-Door - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By MatthewOesch - December 31 - 2:00 am

  I just replaced my 2000 Hyundai Accent 4-Door with the new 2004 Mazda 3i 4- Door. I chose the Velocity Red with Black Cloth, loaded with features and 4- Speed tiptronic. Even with all of the features, my sticker was $18,030. One of my co-workers said it looks like a small BMW! I drive about 35 miles each way to work, and this car is comfortable- even for me at 63" plenty of legroom up front and just enough headroom- even with the sunroof! I highly recommend this car - I just hope you dont start seeing them all over the road so I can still stand out like I do now!

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  Who is Honda anyway? - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Hondawhat? - December 31 - 2:00 am

  Compare this to a Honda Civic or a Toyota Corolla and you are flat out nuts! The 3 is way faster, handles ten times as good, and has a longer warranty. What more can you want right? Well it looks better too, and costs the same. Im tired of the Honda and Toyota cliche. Honda and Toyota arent better anymore people! And this is coming from a used to be loyal Honda owner. Mazda is it now! Mazda is doing and building cars now, like Honda and Toyota used to.

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  five door hatch - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By banzai - December 31 - 2:00 am

  Looked at a number of other cars, matrix, vw, subaru, etc. The three had a lot more bang for the dollar. Still waiting to see how it really performs because of the break in period.

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  The Hottest Car - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Blakely - December 31 - 2:00 am

  I have not been driving it that long but I love. Its the coolest CAR !!!

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  Best Overall Sports Sedan - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Etm - December 31 - 2:00 am

  This car is totally fun to drive. Handling is great. Power is great. Cabin is spacious and easy on the eyes. Mine came with the Bose audio package which is OK. Overall, this car deserves high ratings. This car is definitely more appealing than any other sedan out there in the market today that is around the same price range. Each angle of the car is very striking and aggressive. Its design screams "sports".